Stephanie O'Neal
November 2019
Stephanie
Oneal
,
RN
1C Clinical Evaluation Area
WakeMed Health & Hospitals
Raleigh
,
NC
United States

 

 

 

There was a pediatric patient in 1B who had some developmental disabilities, including impaired communication, that made patient care very challenging. As a BHRN, Stephanie went above and beyond developing a communication tool for him using pictures. She also developed sensory tools to help him with his anxiety and improve his coping. Stephanie also worked hard to help reduce the use of restraints with this patient by collaborating with the interdisciplinary team to assess the patient's needs. This is a patient who liked to feel 'tucked in' and secure in bed. Stephanie fashioned a chair with blankets to make the patient feel cozier when out of bed. She also took time to wheel him to the 4th floor to see the fish tank to provide some adventure and variety to his day. In all, despite the many challenges in the care of this very vulnerable patient, Stephanie was able to demonstrate excellence in her nursing care through compassion and innovation.